Imaging of the Three-Piece Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Urology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence is increasing globally, impacting men's quality of life.
• Penile prostheses, particularly inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs), are effective ED treatments with high satisfaction rates.
• IPP implantation is common, but complications like infection and mechanical failure require accurate detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To familiarize radiologists with the imaging appearance of three-piece inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs).
• To guide radiologists in diagnosing IPP complications using various imaging modalities.
• To propose a structured reporting template for IPP imaging.

Main Methods:

• Review of imaging findings for normal and complicated three-piece IPPs.
• Discussion of MRI as the preferred modality for IPP evaluation, including functional assessment.
• Consideration of CT and US for complementary information based on suspected complications.

Main Results:

• MRI allows detailed anatomical and functional assessment of IPPs in inflated and deflated states.
• Imaging detection of IPP complications can be challenging on clinical examination alone.
• Specific imaging features help differentiate between infection, mechanical failure, and malpositioning.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists play a crucial role in diagnosing IPP complications.
• Accurate imaging interpretation and structured reporting are essential for effective patient management.
• Familiarity with IPP imaging facilitates better communication between radiologists and referring clinicians.